Silence in the Darkness

In Times of Silence

We serve a mighty God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the beginning of knowledge, and knowledge of the holy is understanding. [Prov 9:10] To come before Him humbly, with awe, reverence, utmost adoration and respect, is to acknowledge His sovereignty, power, undeniable authority and absolute purity and holiness.

It seems that there are many that are experiencing again a 'dark night of the soul'. During these times, there is a great upheaval within, and great discouragement, despair and even, confusion. If the Lord is silent, the burden seems even heavier, yet many of God's most beloved people experienced His silence. This is the time to wait on the Lord (patience). This is the time to trust.

Elijah went "many days" of not hearing from the Lord. In fact, it is written that in the "third year", the Lord came to Elijah and spoke to him. The prophet had already announced the coming famine and drought to Ahab. He had been already prophesied to the widow and had been fed a small cake by her, made from her last bit of oil and flour. 

After time passed, and after giving her all obediently to the prophet, the widow's young son died, but God used Elijah to bring life back to the lad. However, despite the fact that Elijah was a prophet who walked with God, it is written that many days went by, and that it was well into the third year of the famine/drought before the Lord spoke to him. Elijah experienced a season of God's silence. [1Kings 18:1]

There are other examples of God's silence with those who were close to Him, such as David, who felt that the Lord had abandoned him. [Ps 13] Job surely went through  emotions such as anger, doubt and confusion, when his great trial was upon him.  Yet all of these men held fast to their faith. 

Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. [Job 23:2-4]

Even when Job wonders why God is silent, he states: But He knows the way that I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. [verse 10]

Was God angry at these men? Was that the reason for His silence? No. Elijah seemed to take the quietude in stride, until Jezebel threatened him, at which time the godly man ran for fear of his life. After a long journey, he finally halted and protested, insisting that it (all) was enough. He even asked God to take his life, as he felt he was no better than his forefathers.

Job struggled with God's silence, even though he knew God was with him. He was understandably emotional as he suffered physically, mentally and spiritually, yet part of him (as seen in his words above) seemed to know he was being tried.

David, who loved the Lord with all his heart, also grappled emotionally and spiritually when God was silent. Yet, God was not angry with any of them at the time. Nevertheless, these men of God were disturbed by His silence.

I have been going through a time of silence for the most part myself, and have wrestled and grappled emotionally. Yes, I know the Lord is with me, and if He is angry with me, I cannot see why (and no, I have not "arrived" at sinless perfection, but I am not aware of any area that I am not in His will at this time).

Even in times of prayer and confusion (at His silence), questioning things whilst searching my soul, even knowing He is with me as surely as Job knew, I still find that His silence is deafening. When a loved one is silent, it can be very unsettling, even frustrating, but when that loved one is Jesus, there are no words to describe it. To me, it is better not to have been born at all than to be without God's direction, counsel, guidance.  Is that how Jesus felt upon the cross when He was aware of the silence of the Father?

Yet, deep within, it is understood that He is not angry or displeased with me, but I long for that intimacy, the comfort that comes from hearing His voice deep within my spirit. I believe that it is all part of the trying of our faith. God knows where we stand as far as faith is concerned, but we need to know.

I hunger more for His word in these times of silence, hunger more for deeper intimacy, long even more to hear His voice. So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. [Rom 10:17]

In part, from what I am hearing, this is what some of the brethren are experiencing at this time in their lives - a silence from the Shepherd. It is troubling them, as it would any child of light. Others are going through tough trials, relationships is a big one at this time (spouse (marriage), family, friends, neighbours, fellow believers etc).

Many are confused in wondering if the strain or severing of a relationship is a dividing or separating by God, or if it is the enemy seeking to steal, kill and destroy, or if it is a result of the sinful nature? Confusion and chaos is their portion.  This is the time to seek God because He alone is the one who knows each situation. He alone has the correct answers. 

Health, finances, employment, housing, direction, the evil days we are in, the sins of mankind and the effect on each of us; all of these things are in the hands of Jesus. He promised that He would direct our steps if we did not lean on our own understanding, but waited upon Him, trusting Him to lead. He promised that he would never leave or forsake us. [Deut 31:6; Heb 13:5, 6]  Waiting is one of the hardest things we have to do in our walk with the Lord because it requires patience, trust and faith.

The Closer to Jesus, The Narrower the Path

About six weeks ago, I had to confront a couple who are church leaders who are in error and need to repent and forgive. [2Chron 7:14, 15] They need deliverance and healing. In another instance, there was what I consider to be compromise with the world from another pastor, in doing what Constantine did - mixing Christianity with paganism, in order to "please the people" (aka 'being cool'). Many today bring mixture into their faith walk, and that is not right.

Another believer does not see the situation in the same way that I do, but I cannot shake the conviction of it. I plan to write about it, and would like very much to hear what other believers think. If I am wrong, so be it, and I will acknowledge it. However, as it stands right now, I believe that I am beginning to clearly see the difference between the broad and the narrow paths.

The times we are in are very dark. Jesus warned that if it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived, so all of us need to be on guard, no matter how intelligent and discerning we think we are. We need to go forward only in the direction of the Lord, and we need the Holy Spirit and Jesus in us more than ever. We simply cannot proceed full-steam ahead without our King and Lord.

Jesus/Yeshua did say that the path to destruction is broad, but the path is narrow and the gate straight which leads to life, and few there are that find it. [Mat 7:13, 14] It seems that many pastors are involving their congregation in "fun activities" on holidays celebrated by the world, showing no difference between pagan and Christian, but instead blending it all together in order to please the masses. The 'game' does not cause one to look to Christ, but rather, places focus on the flesh. Ah, but for now I digress, until I write about it in the next article.

In the past week, I have been sorting out information about idols of the past that are just as prevalent today, pagan beliefs and celebrated feast days (or holidays as we call them now), witchcraft, sorcery, the agenda of globalists, lawlessness, signs of the Antichrist system, "frequencies", dimensions and so much more. 

All of the studying, plus going over past material I have written about, is due to what I personally see as gross error, what the Bible calls the "spirit of error", "doctrines of devils", "paganism" and worse in many churches and within the Christian community. We are wanting to be "cool", and not "old school", but at what cost? The right way is the ancient path, that which our Lord Jesus walked and taught. He led by example, but it is becoming less and less desired, even by those who call themselves by His name. 

The Fear of the Lord

So that is why I have not posted as soon as I had planned. The rabbit holes and tunnels are deep and far-reaching. The days are grossly dark and getting darker. Yet, even in the mess of it all, even if God is silent for some, Jesus is ever our hope - Christ in us, the hope of glory. [Col 1:27] Jesus the Messiah is our constant; He is our balance; He is our first love; He is our everything!

He is the only one before whom we must bow in all humility, respect, honour, praise and love. Great is our Creator, and none compares. Jesus/Yeshua is hope for the hopeless, courage to the discouraged, strength to the weak, love for the loveless, confidence to the outcast and rejected, Captain of the heavenly forces, King of kings and Lord of lords, the Lamb slain, Warrior King soon returning. 

No matter what we are going through, He is with us and He will bring us through, even if He has to carry us. Let us not faint, but allow our heart to be broken and contrite, and faith to be proven. We can be confident that God is doing a good work in us and He will see it through to the day of Jesus Christ. [Phil 1:6]

Wait - simply put - wait, as hard as it is; patiently wait for the Lord.

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen, O God, beside you, what He has prepared for him that waits for Him. [Is 64:4]

Below is an article from 2012 that I had posted called, Dark Night of the Soul. It seems appropriate to repost it at this time. 

Dark Night of the Soul

As in the processes of dying and birthing, a paradigm shift is occurring, from that which was, to that which must be. It begins in your own garden of Gethsemane. Here is where great darkness falls upon the soul and spirit and the travailing begins. The flesh cries out, not desiring to suffer and die. 

This is the point where many give up; they will only go so far, for as the rich man who could not part with his riches, so there are things that many of My people refuse to surrender. Therefore, in love and mercy, I send forth chastisement, to see if they will endure correction. Yet again, I shall purge My people and prune away many branches, to see if fruit will come forth in a new season.

This is where everything and everyone will seem to be against you; and things only seem to get worse – and darker; like a horrible pit full of miry (swampy) clay. This is where you will either cry out to Me, or turn away. Press in, endure, keep in the race, cling to Me, for I AM with you.

Immovable Faith

You will feel shaken, horribly shaken, but fear not. Have I not said that all that can be shaken will be shaken? Yes, you have heard this and you have read it in My word.

This is a good work, if you understand the purpose. The dross must be shaken loose, so it will surface, for dross is skimmed as it surfaces. Your faith must be immovable. Labor and travail, for it shall not be in vain. Let your labor be done in fear and trembling. Trust Me. 

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 

And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 

To those whose house is built upon the rock, though the winds blow and the house is shaken, it shall not fall. Remain steadfast and unmovable in faith. Lo, I am doing a good work. [Pro 25:4; Heb 12:27; Mat 7:25]

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [1Cor 15:58; Phil 2:28]

Who has not gone through these dark times? All My people have gone through great darkness; yet in great travailing, weeping and praying, they persevere and go through. In the shaking, your eyes shall be opened and you shall see all that is not of Me. Will you trust Me through it all?

All that is not of Me shall surface and nothing shall remain secret. Let it go in repentance and believe in Me. Submit yourself to Me, resist the enemy who seeks to keep you in bondage and he must flee. I have chosen this furnace of affliction for you, yet it is for good, as you cling to Me and follow the leading of My holy Spirit in you. Submit My child to the work I AM doing and fear not.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. 

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. [Eccl 12:14; Mk 4:22]

Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. 

Cry out to Me and I hear you. My hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor is My ear heavy that it cannot hear. [Is 48:10; 59:1]

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him:[…] [Jam 4:7; Job 13:15]

Who is among you that fears the LORD, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. [Is 50:10]

Forgiveness is Crucial

Let no bitterness, no strife, no hatred, no anger, no jealousy, no envying, let nothing that is not of Me be found in you. Let forgiveness pour out from your heart, for it shall be a healing balm to you. Think upon Saul and David. Even when David knew he was anointed to be king and Saul sought to kill David, did My servant David rise up in pride? Did he kill Saul when he had the chance?

No, he cut a piece of Saul’s robe one time, to let Saul know that he had the opportunity to kill him, but did not. He submitted himself to Saul, who was still king and trusted Me to work things out.

David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. (submission) [1Sam 24:8]

Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade (told) me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed. [1Sam 24:10]

And he (Saul) said to David, You are more righteous than I: for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil.  And you have shown this day how that you have dealt well with me: forasmuch as when the LORD had delivered me into your hand, you killed me not. [1Sam 24: 17,18]

Though he spoke fair words and understood the mercy David showed him, Saul did not genuinely repent. Therefore, I say unto you, do not be as Saul. Genuinely repent and believe, forgive and die to self; then shall you be raised up and become the new man. I shall have a holy people, without spot or blemish. Yea and if you fall, I say rise up, rise up again, and cry out to Me.

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. [Prov 24: 16]

Do Not Fear the Darkness

When the darkness comes upon you, as you go through the dark season, I shall shine My light upon your heart and reveal the secret things that you have not known are there. Fear not; neither be dismayed or confounded. Be strong and of good courage. I work in the darkness; I work in ways you cannot see.

Your emotional condition is not necessarily your heart condition. Allow this piercing of the heart, for out of the wound shall pour forth all that festers and infects you. Surrender it into My hands with genuine repentance, believe and I shall heal you; you shall have a new heart. I shall shine My light into the darkness, and shall shine light upon your heart. Then shall you see clearly; then shall you know my glory in the face of My Son.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [1Cor 4:6]

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon you, and his glory shall be seen upon you. 

[Is 60:2]

My people must go through these dark times. Many have despaired, been troubled, perplexed, cast down and cried out to Me. Those whom I have raised up mightily went through the darkness that came upon them. They cried out to Me, yet felt so helpless, alone and abandoned, not understanding the times of My silence. If you fall, rise back up again. Repent and believe and let your faith hold fast to Me.

Think upon My friend Abraham, after I told him about the son that he would have, and that he would be the father of many nations. What happened?

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, a horror of great darkness fell upon him. [Gen 15:12]

Did Moses fear the darkness or did he know that even in the darkness, he would find Me?

And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. [Ex 20:21]

And you came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.  These words the LORD spoke unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. [Deut 4:11; 5:22]

Think upon the apple of My eye, David. Did he not travail in times of the darkness that came upon his soul? Did he not feel so alone?

O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless (Ps 88:14,15)

Then said Solomon, The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. [2Chron 6:1]

He has fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and He has set darkness in my paths. [Job 19:8]

You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Lover and friend have you put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.  [Ps 88:6, 18]

Two godly men who feared and obeyed God wrote about their dark time - their dark night of the soul. Oswald Chambers wrote a poem called, ‘Dark Night of the Soul’, in his book, ‘Abandoned by God’.

Cut it off. My heart is bleeding,
And my spirit’s wrung in pain,
Yet I hear my Jesus pleading,
Cut it off or all is vain.

So I’ve stopped my ears in terror
Lest self-pity make me quail,
Lest at last I take the error
And God’s purpose thwart and fail.

I am bowed to death in sadness,
For the pain is all too great,
But the dear Lord must find pleasure
In the way He maketh straight.

In the late 1600s, François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, often called Francois Fenelon was a French Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet and writer. He wrote: His [God’s] transformation is done on the cross in darkness, poverty and death.

Think upon Elijah, Job, Moses and Paul. Have you felt as they did? Have you wanted Me to take you away from the earth? Have you despaired desperately? Yes, you have. Lo, I AM with you.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. [1Kings19: 4]

What happened? A paradigm shift… An angel came, touched him and Elijah went on his journey with new strength (new hope) after eating ‘meat’ that I sent.

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for you.  And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. [1King 19: 7, 8]

Moses, who was faithful and meek, despaired over the constant complaining and bitterness of the people. Now the Israelites were not satisfied with manna anymore; they wanted meat. It seemed more than Moses could bear because the people never seemed satisfied and were angry with him. He wanted to die.

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if you deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness. [Num11: 14,15]

What happened? A paradigm shift… I commanded Moses to gather seventy men of the elders of Israel, and I put the spirit (holy Spirit) that had been upon Moses upon them, so that Moses should not bear the burden of the people alone, and the seventy prophesied throughout the camp. Then I answered his prayer and sent meat to the people, but the lust of their flesh did anger me. [Num 11:25, 31- 33]

Even the apostles despaired at times and desired to leave this life.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 

[2Cor2:8; 4:8,9]

Yet again, a paradigm shift took place, as once again My people were strengthened…

But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2Cor 15: 57]

So shall it be with My people who persevere, who go through the dark seasons, who cry out in repentance, if there be need in any area for repentance. Yea, cry out to Me and I shall strengthen you as you go through purging and purification.

for His glory

Bonita                       dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Prophecies Will Fulfill like a Domino Effect - Part 1

Prophecies Will Fulfill Like a Domino Effect – Part 1              

In proof-reading this, I realized that it would need to be broken up into a few sections, as it has turned into a much larger project than I had initially anticipated. When my other website is re-opened (hopefully by the end of next week at the latest), it will be easier to navigate.  It will be more organized, with drop-down menus to make it easier to find topics of interest.)

On the blog, the archives go by the year and offer only a title, without any category or idea of the topic covered. An email will be sent out to those on the newsletter list to announce the site re-opening (it's been in maintenance mode six months - yikes! Ok, ok, now you know...I'm not as tech savvy as I would like to be). Then, after six years, this blog will close, as the website will be all that is needed. Only the Lord knows how long we have, but for now, we go as led, ever grateful for yet another day...no matter what is going on around us.

It is now the seventh day of long hours researching and writing just to put this article together.  It is not a complaint (not at all), but rather an explanation as to why there has not been much activity seen in plain sight (couldn't resist-little humour goes a long way); it's all been behind the scenes. There is much investigative researching to be done when searching for valid or concrete reports in the mainstream, and even in the alternative news media (with disinformation, misinformation and outright lies).  

There's volumes of information that explodes forth, but it can only be taken in a bit, small portions, at once; it takes time to sift and sort through. Then there is the matter of finding the right images, maps, best links, re-sizing/cropping pictures, working on pixels for quality, and on it goes. Meanwhile, as a woman, I must keep up the house and other chores, get supplies/do business, maintenance (minor) etc., as I am able, 

But all of the above (chores, supplies, housework, business) comes after the Lord's work. Praying and counseling with women, encouraging/praying for young people, or whosoever reaches out - on phone calls, emails -- it after Jesus, my Y'shua, this comes next. The Lord first (first love), then others (the two commandments that Jesus said to do because in doing them, we will truly fulfill the ten commandments). All glory to God - He is all in all.

This work is not first - Christ Jesus/Y'shua, my Lord and Savior is. What good is any of this if Jesus/Y'shua does not come first? It would mean nothing (all in vain), and I would be a prime hypocrite if I put anything before the Lord. In my experience, if I arise and immediately get to work, without taking time to be with the Lord, the whole day seems off - even overwhelming at times. 

Life itself can get hectic, but we need the time with the Lord, especially in these wicked and dark days...just to keep things in balance.  

Yet, even still, there will come distractions, hindrances, demands, trials, tribulations, enemies of the cross, false brethren, twists and turns to try and keep us from our daily cross, and take us off the narrow path.  

Yet, it seems to only come naturally to want to spend time with the one you love, and Jesus (my Y'shua) is my first love. Correction - He is our (those who truly are His people) first love...or at least, He better be! If not, repent and put Him first, lest He takes your candlestick - what good will it be if we have no 'light' when the Bridegroom comes?

I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how you cannot bear them which are evil: and you have tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and have found them liars:  And have borne, and have patience, and for My name's sake have laboured, and have not fainted. 

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from where you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except you repent.  [Rev 2:2-5]

Research and writing is part of what I do and I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to do that which I enjoy, so that He may be glorified, yet in this 'instantaneous', fast-paced society, it is easy to fall behind others, especially if you want to present truth, and especially if you are not on social media sites.  

But glory to God, may this article open eyes to see and help awaken the sleeping…inspire the lazy and scold the compromising to make a stand. The midnight hour approaches and we need to be alert for the return of our King!

Things are moving so quickly – just as the Lord forewarned in 2008, in the post called, “We Overcome”.  The Lord had forewarned that it would be as a ‘domino effect’, with ‘people blaming each other’, but many ‘blaming God’. 

In other words, anger will rage, even murderous hatred, and the blame will be placed upon God, either directly or indirectly, as people become enraged toward those who carry out their atrocities in the name of whatever ‘god’ they serve – killing any they hate, any who oppose them, and some, just for the sake of lust of greed, power and control.

As far as a domino effect goes that the Lord spoke of in ‘08, I understood that to mean that once the final prophetic events begin (according to His word), there will be no stopping it, unless God Himself chose to.  His written word will be fulfilled and will not return void.  

It also means that the events will be connected, in that one event will lead to the next, which will affect the next event and so on, until God’s will and plan is fully accomplished. Prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes!

In the book of Revelation (particularly in chapters 6 and 8), prophecy warns of the seven seals, seven trumpets, seven thunders and seven bowls (vials). All of the events are linked, cascading one into another, having been ordered by the Sovereign King to bring about the end of this age of all ages and the end of the war that has raged for millennia – to finally quench the rebellion that began so long ago in the heavenlies. The heavens and the earth war, with earth being the major war zone, and with mankind being the target. So it is written; so it is true.

We are genuinely in the last of the last days. Sin is rampant and wickedness is glorified by governments, media, Hollywood, devil worshippers, Luciferians and others. This wicked, sinful (last) generation that we now find ourselves in (as forewarned in sacred scriptures) is also a generation slow to repent and turn from idolatry and every form of evil...as in the days of Noah, and Sodom and Gomorrah

 God’s (Yhvh) will (desire) is that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance through His only begotten Son, Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth (Y’shua the Christ).  [2Pet 3:9] 

Yet, we who believe the Holy Scriptures know that not all will repent and turn their hearts back to the Creator, the Great Spirit Chief, through Jesus Christ. There will be those who serve the ‘beast’ (the Antichrist of all antichrists) and receive his mark, thus sealing their fate alongside him in the lake of fire on the day of great judgment.

It was my intention to verify that all events are connected scripturally, as well as in confirming that the plans of Satan to establish his kingdom on earth are speedily unfolding, evidenced in part by the ‘push’ of the elite (his loyal Luciferian followers and his militant soldiers, both in the natural (infiltrators), and in the spiritual (demons) to set up the NWO (one world government, one-world religion, one world police, one world economy etc).

However, events have been taking place so quickly over the past week (and continuing) that this article is already into one week of preparation. Scouring news reports and sorting through them, watching news videos and finding the right images has indeed been a great undertaking to piece it all together.

With that being said, no matter what, it will be posted – and yes, even if I am the last runner in the relay race. It matters not, so long as the race is run to the glory of God alone!

Little did I know that the inspiration to write this article began early in the first week of June, when a sister in Christ forwarded me an email that requested the reader to sign a petition.  

There is anticipatory hope that enough signatures would persuade a stubborn and cruel Sudan government to agree to free an imprisoned woman. 

In May, Meriam Ibriyam (Ishag), 27, appeared in an Islamic court on charges of ‘apostasy’ and ‘adultery’ for marrying an American Christian man, a biochemist named Daniel (Gabriel) Bisencio Wani. His wife, Meriam is a doctor. He is wheelchair-bound due to muscular dystrophy. 

When she refused to renounce her Christian faith, Meriam was convicted under Islamic Shari’ah law (enforced in 1983) and sentenced to 100 lashes for adultery and death by hanging for apostasy. She was eight months pregnant at the time of sentencing; her feet were shackled to the prison floor.  

Also imprisoned alongside her in the Omdurman Women’s Prison, in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, is her 20 month old son, Martin. Two weeks ago, she gave birth to a baby girl, Maya, whilst shackled. 

According to one report, Meriam’s father was Muslim, but had deserted the family whilst they were all in a refugee camp, when she was only five. He did not return and has not been seen since. Meriam’s mother (deceased) had fled from Ethiopia to Sudan and chose to raise her daughter in her Christian faith (Ethiopian Orthodox). 

Meriam was baptized into the Catholic religion. She steadfastly claims that she never followed the Islamic ways, professing to have always been a Christian. However, according to the Sudanese, she is considered a Muslim because of her father, as well as having been born in Sudan.

Although global public outcry seemed to promise a reversal in the sentence (June 1, 2014), it now appears that the Sudanese government intends to proceed with her execution. Her husband continues to fight for her freedom, but is getting little help from government officials at the American Embassy. 

One of the lawyers (Mohanad Mustafa) fighting for Meriam is a Muslim who believes Islam and Christianity should not be at odds.  An appeal has been filed and is set to be heard.  full story here

According to Daily Mail Online, her husband Daniel spoke about how little help was being offered by the American Embassy. The reasoning behind their lack of involvement is that his wife is not an American. 

He also spoke about two men and a woman that showed up as witnesses in the court, claiming to be her family. Meriam does not know the men or the woman.  She stated that her mother is deceased. Proper documents can be provided, but the court disallows the evidence to be submitted.

Mohaned Mustafa Elnour, one of the lawyers representing the couple stated:

“In fact, the British Embassy here has been helpful – more so than the American Embassy. Mr Elnour said the case hinges around the testimony of two men who claim to be her brothers and one woman who claims to be her mother. In court they claimed that she had disappeared from the family home in a small village in the east of Sudan and then discovered her living in Khartoum, married to a Christian man.”

But the lawyer said all three witnesses have proven to be liars because their evidence to the court has been highly contradictory. He suggested that the trio are making up their story in an attempt to claim ownership of Meriam’s flourishing general store in a shopping mall on the outskirts of Khartoum.

Mr Elnour added: 'We can prove that Meriam’s mother died in 2012 and that the two others are definite fraudsters. But the court is not interested in our evidence.”

Full story:  Daily Mail Online

“According to Sudan’s Criminal Code, a woman that is heavily pregnant cannot be executed before giving birth to her child and nursing him/her for two years.  Meriam will remain in detention during this two-year period.”  Source: chimpreports 

UPDATE:  Meriam Ibriyam has already been publicly flogged, under articles 154 and 155 of the Sudan penal code, but the judgment for her execution has been delayed by an appeal to the court.

An online media site called “All Africa”, based in Khartoum (where Meriam is imprisoned) reports: “Exactly a month after she was sentenced to death, the Archdiocese of Khartoum, north Sudan, issued a statement describing her current predicament.

"There are many people trying to persuade Mariam to renounce Christianity in order to be freed but she is refusing. Some people are pleading with her husband to convince her to abandon her Christian faith in order to save her life but to no avail."

The statement issued June 11 from Fr Mussa Kacho, Episcopal vicar of Khartoum region, aimed to correct media inaccuracies and "pleaded" with authorities to resolve the case. Describing the present situation, Fr Kacho said: "Mrs Mariam is still in Omdurman prison, practically on death row, breast feeding her child in chains. Her case is currently in the court of appeal. No one knows when the appeal court will decide on it.

"The only way to save their marriage, supposing that Mariam abandons her Christian faith, is for the husband 'Daniel' to embrace Islam and be remarried according to Islamic religion." The couple was married in the Catholic Church on December 19, 2011. Her husband, Daniel Bicensio Wani, is a life-long Catholic and Ms Ibrahim converted from Ethiopian Orthodox to Catholic shortly before her marriage.

Although her father was a Muslim, she was baptized and raised in her mother's Orthodox Faith. The statement from the Archdiocese of Khartoum stressed: "Never in her life did she embrace the Islamic religion nor renounce it. She has never been a Muslim in her life."  Source: All Africa

Standard Media in Kenya reported (June 18, 2014) that the doctor who delivered her child ordered her chains removed after she delivered.  According to one of her lawyers, Mohanad Mustafa, he made a statement to AFP that the prison complied and the chains were removed.

The report goes on to say that she was moved from the cell that she shared with other women to the clinic and that conditions for her have improved. She now has a good bed and air conditioning. Her husband brings food and supplies her with money to buy anything else she may need.

Mustafa, along with four other ‘human rights’ lawyers, has appealed the verdict.  All of the lawyers involved are handling her case free of charge.

Senator Roy Blunt and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire have written John Kerry, Secretary of State, urgently requesting that he grant Meriam political asylum.

The news of what is happening overseas grieves my spirit, yet at the same time, I stand astounded at the time we are in.  Oh, that those with eyes will see and with ears will hear! We, who live in the Western Hemisphere, gasp in horror and disbelief at what is happening in the East – not only between Russia and the Ukraine, but with Iraq (forefront in the news at this time), Syria, Israel (countless watching events unfold), Sudan, Egypt, Nairobi, Kenya, other key parts of Africa, Pakistan, India and more. 

Update - 2015**
In June 2014, Meriam and her children were released to the US Embassy. By July 24, 2014, Meriam was to meet her husband. They are now back home in the United States. To read the full story: Meriam’s release from Sudan government  All glory to God most high alone! BP2015

There are few (if any) countries in this world that are not in some kind of chaos and turmoil, or threatened with economic (global) and other woes. The majority of people are closely watching the activities of the countries of Russia/Ukraine and Syria, Iraq and Israel (Middle East) with eagle eyes, sensing the threat of World War III and hoping that it will not be so. 

Things continue to escalate in the Middle East – the domino effect very likely manifesting. Yet, we who walk with the Lord, abiding in Him are well aware of ‘who’ and ‘what’ is behind it all, whilst many stay asleep, deny or avoid. 

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel 1, Amos, Obadiah, Zephaniah 2,  Matthew 24, Revelation – all these books contain prophecies of the end times, the last days, including the book of Enoch (which many quickly dismiss, even though it had once been included in the canon of the Holy Scriptures).  

Keep in mind also that at one time, the books of James, 2 John and 3 John, Hebrews, Jude, Revelation, parts of Luke and parts of Acts were scrutinized, with many disputes about whether they should be included in the Bible.

About a year ago (give or take), I wrote that it seemed to me that we were already in the beginning of sorrows (nation rising against nation, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences )– Mat 24:6; Mk 13) and that tribulation was about to begin (perhaps with a decade, or some few years - just an unsettled sense) if in fact, it had not already slowly begun.  I am no scholar or theologian, just a simple believer, a child of the living God, a disciple of Jesus the Christ.

Where is the dividing line; where does the ‘beginning of sorrows’ end and the ‘tribulation’ begin?  (Yes, I understand and realize that we all (globally) go through/have gone through and will go through many trials and tribulations, but Jesus/Y’shua was being specific when He spoke of the signs to watch for).

Surely, the birth pangs have intensified, increased and become more frequent. Tribulation begins with God’s judgment, not God’s wrath. His people will know God’s judgment (they always have – it is recorded throughout the Old and New Testaments), but His people will not suffer His wrath (the day of the Lord). 

Yet, even in God’s judgment, He shows grace and mercy. If I have said it once, I have said it too many times to count, and that is that with just one word, one order, God, our Creator, the Great Spirit Chief could wipe everything and everyone out and begin once again.  

Yet, He had a better plan right from the beginning, one that includes grace and mercy, but also judgment and justice. If Adam and Eve chose to disobey when tempted (tested/tried), then the Creator would initiate His plan.

The purpose of judgment is to cause people to see the wickedness of sin, to bring them to repentance (broken and contrite because of their own sins) and to confess, pray and cry out to the Creator for forgiveness.

With my soul have I desired You in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek You early: for when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.  [Is 26:9]

Their eyes will be opened to see the love Adonai had in sending His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ (Y’shua HaMashiach) (Jesus, God’s Word, who comes in the flesh) to offer up His life as atonement, a precious sacrifice, for the sins of mankind and to provide the only way of salvation to all who believe. [Jn 3:14-21] They will be heard, forgiven and healed. [2Chron 14:16]

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  [1Pet4: 17]

I emphasized the latter part of the first sentence to indicate that although judgment must (and has/shall) begin at the house of God, be assured, as Peter himself points out, it does not end there. Woe to those who obey not the gospel of God. Peter was a God-fearing man. 

This fear of God is not as the fear of danger, or the fear of man and what he can do, or the fear of reaping the consequences of breaking the law, or the fear of evil spiritual beings. That is the kind of fear that Satan tries to instill in mankind, an unhealthy, destructive fear.

The fear of God is first based on love. That is my conclusion.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment.  He that fears is not made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.  [1Jn 4:18, 19]

My understanding of what it is to fear God is: to love, honor, respect, revere (deepest of respect, with awe/amazement), to glorify, worship/praise, cherish, hope, obey, serve...and to understand His power, the potential to do anything He so desires merely by speaking it forth.

To fear God is to possess enough knowledge and understanding as to tremble at His glory, His holiness, His purity, His power and His Sovereignty over all creation.  To fear God enables us to allow His Holy Spirit in us to empower us to walk by faith and not by sight, and to learn how to overcome our sinful nature.  This healthy fear of the Lord grants us the willingness to resist temptation.

And now, Israel, what does the Lord thy God require of you, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul  [Deut 10:12]

Deuteronomy verse 14:23 – v. 17:19 – v. 31:12, all speak of learning to fear the Lord, often demonstrated by our walk, our love to Him (which spills over to others), our giving to Him (sacrifice of praise/worship) and our faith in Him, combined with our obedience to Him.  Jesus said we are known by our fruits.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [Mat 7:15, 16]

How else can God direct our steps, if we refuse to follow (obey) His leading or instructions? Loving, glorifying, serving, praising Him, as well as loving others will be evident (good fruit). These are the two commandments that the Lord Jesus gave us, which if we do, will encompass all of the ‘ten commandments’ that we are to follow.

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [Job 28:28; Ps 19:9]

There are over 100 verses that speak of the fear of the Lord; far too many to inundate the reader with by including them all here. However, please allow me to share just a few more to remind and/or encourage and strengthen your spirit.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endures forever. [Ps 111:10]

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.  In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge. [Pro v. 1:7 – v. 9:10 – v.15:33 and v. 14:26] 

Selah and amen. Bless the Lord! How I love the Word of God! Indeed, Jesus is the Word come in the flesh.

The wrath of the devil is what will be seen and experienced by all the nations in the world, as the Sovereign God permits and watches over it as part of His judgment, for a short time, according to Rev 12:12.     

Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.

To my understanding, the beginning of sorrows began slowly and is building momentum. Tribulation will seem ‘suddenly’ to the unbelieving, but those who know and walk with the true living God will be prepared. Pay attention! Great tribulation is at the door – it is soon upon us. Years pass quickly. Watch and pray!

It will happen as written and with such intensity that all countries, nations and peoples will not be able to deny that indeed, great tribulation (such as has never been seen before, nor be seen again) has come upon the earth.

Many will blame each other (this country, that country; this terrorist group, that terrorist group; this evil leader, that evil leader; this religion, that religion, etc), but many will shake a fist at God Himself. 

Satan and his minions will laugh, for pride still rules him to the point that Satan (as well as his armies (both spiritual and physical) are deceived into believing that they will have the victory. Satan (Lucifer) knows the Word of God (twisting it when he spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden; and later with Jesus/Y’shua in the desert wilderness and right up to this day and age.)

The wicked plot against the just, and gnash upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for He sees that his day is coming. [Ps 27:12, 13]

To multitudes of people, who are blinded, deafened and deceived, evil is good and good is evil. This deception has caused many to already fall away, but even more will fall away unless they seek truth and repent; even more will become apostate and worse yet, reprobate. 

Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me.  [Jn 14:6]

Yet, there are those who are lost now who will be saved. Many prodigals are also returning! Many who are lukewarm will become cold, yet there are those who shall repent and become hot (on fire) for the Lord! Hallelujah! The Lamb is worthy! We know who has the victory in the end, for the created can never take the place of the Creator! (Lucifer and all the angels are also created beings!) SELAH

Indeed, as stated before, one event will link to another, just as the prophecies in scripture forewarned, until mayhem, chaos, destruction, famine, pestilence, wickedness and death becomes so prevalent that the whole earth will be crying out for a ‘saviour’ to bring order and peace once again. Many will receive the ‘false messiah’ (the beast and his mark), also forewarned of in scripture.

However, the statement that suggests that we have entered into the ‘beginning of sorrows’ was disputed by some here in the Western Hemisphere, as they saw no real evidence of such. There are those who have arrogantly decided that it’s all about North America or even ‘America’ itself, when the Word of God speaks of tribulation such has never been seen before or shall be seen again. 

Multitudes believe in a ‘pre-trib rapture’, not seeing the proper order of things, nor that the ‘catching away’ in the ‘twinkling of the eye’, recorded in scripture, occurs at the same time as the resurrection of the dead in Christ.[1Thes4:16]  It is true that it is not a salvation issue, but it does put one in danger of being ill-prepared when the prophecies of the horrific things coming upon the earth, written in the sacred scriptures, manifest exponentially and they are still here. 

But again, I am still learning. I believe in the "catching away" (rapture) because it is written...in the twinkling of an eye, we will be changed. It is just that I am not convinced it is pretrib; it may be mid or post-trib. Still studying it.

Skeptics conclude that if we are not being shot down, bombed, decapitated (beheaded), women and children raped, men beaten, humiliated, butchered, locked in FEMA camps, under martial law, suffering economic collapse, famine, tyranny and atrocities beyond imagination, and frightening natural calamities beyond measure, that neither the beginning of sorrows or tribulation has begun. 

Let me assure you, as it is written, the Western Hemisphere will not go unscathed. It is coming under judgment, for sure. The final and great tribulation written about in scripture will be global. Truly, I believe that not only are we in the beginning of sorrows, but that tribulation is nigh upon us (globally) - matter of years. Truly, Jesus Christ/Y’shua HaMaschiach shall return soon; in the order and manner prophesied in the Word of God (holy Bible).

Yes, I could be wrong, but things are moving fast these days. Even young people sense time speeding up.  Jesus did say that "unless" the days were shortened, nobody (no flesh) would be saved alive, but for the elects sake, they will be shortedened. [Mat 24:22]  Is this how it is shortened - not enough 'time' in a day? Something to consider...

The entire world is under God’s judgment; the entire world will know the devil’s wrath, but woe to the world when God’s wrath (the day of the Lord) comes upon it.  Again, I repeat that great tribulation is right at the door; it is nigh upon us.

  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts;  And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant … [ … ]  [2Pet 3:3-5]

A difference of opinion does not trouble me, as we are all entitled to our individual opinions. Disagreement does not have to bring strife, nor does having an in-depth discussion necessarily equate a debate. People who disagree or have unresolved issues most often prefer to discuss and/or explain their side, their viewpoint. No discussion, no resolution!

However, some cannot differentiate between ‘discussion’ and ‘debate’, thereby refusing to hear another’s side, making claims that scripture speaks about “not debating”. Interestingly enough, the word ‘debate’ is only in the Bible four times. 

Three times it is linked to those who debate for the sake of wickedness (not for the sake of solving a problem or trying to bring understanding). The fourth time it says to “debate your cause with your neighbor himself, and discover not a secret to another” (don’t betray someone by (gossip) spreading their secrets – private matters). That is Proverbs 25:9. 

Nevertheless, even if we do not agree, it will only serve us well (the true believers) if we watch and pray, and walk with our Lord in faith and obedience, doing His will as the Messiah did.

We must be about our Father’s business, warning unbelievers, prodigals/ backsliders and the lukewarm about God’s wrath to come, the reality of Satan and his armies, both in the spiritual and in the physical (too in-depth to detail here), the reality of hell, the lake of fire, the second death – sharing with them the love of God through Jesus Christ, the way to salvation through believing and repentance, His mercy and grace and willingness to forgive, and the hope we carry (Christ in us, the hope of glory), whilst we wait in faith for Christ’s glorious return. 

As we watch, we should also pray that we will be considered worthy to escape that which is to come, as spoken of by Jesus/Y’shua Himself. [Lk 21:36]  We too must be sure our lamps are filled with oil (Holy Spirit). When our lamps dim, we seek God for a fresh infilling of His Spirit because we can become dull, in danger of our lamps going out. We must spend time with the Lord and pray to be filled again with the ‘fire’ of the Holy Spirit. 

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: [Mat 3:11]

And there appeared unto them separated tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  [Acts 2:3]

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. [Lk 21:36]

It is not a sin to make a mistake (error). We all make mistakes, but if we are not sinning in that mistake, we press forward, learning as we go. If we sin in our errors, we sincerely repent and rise up, forgive and be forgiven – going forward, even more determined to walk in the ancient ways – the highway of holiness – by the Spirit of God within us. Forgiveness is granted, along with mercy and grace, to those who genuinely repent. It is God alone who convicts us and draws us to Himself, by His Spirit.

[…] This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.  [Zec4:6]

The Holy Scriptures were not written in the Americas (North or South) but rather, the records were written by God’s people who were in countries in the East, in such places as Babylon (when some of God’s prophets were in captivity), as well as in Jerusalem, Rome, Greece.  

Again, I repeat that we all need to be watching and praying and making sure our house (body/soul/spirit) is in order.  We focus on the One, true, living God and His Christ, waiting and watching as we continue on about our daily lives, picking up our cross, ever looking up, running the race, enduring to the end, knowing that our redemption draws nigh.  Amen

Let us move on to the current events that are moving at incredible speed.

Continue on to Part 2